Minna: Niger Government has successfully completed a three-day training program for 50 first-class graduates, preparing them to serve as Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) for small business start-ups and existing enterprises. This initiative aims to support economic growth within local communities by equipping these graduates with essential consulting skills.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training was organized by the Office of the Special Adviser to Governor Umaru Bago on Social Investment Programme, under Hajiya Hauwa Bako, and facilitated by the Enterprise Development Centre at Pan-Atlantic University. The participants were selected from the Association of First Class Students in Niger State, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering local talent.
At the conclusion of the training, Bako emphasized that the program aimed to equip participants to become self-reliant consultants who can support small businesses in their communities. This initiative is part of a fully-funded Niger state government project, which seeks to provide each local government with a business development expert.
Bako further revealed that the state government is collaborating with the Enterprise Development Centre on a funded programme with the MasterCard Foundation, aiming to train approximately 10,000 youths, with a particular focus on females in the state. The participants will be equipped to offer comprehensive support in business planning, operations, and financial management.
The special adviser encouraged participants to view the training as a lifetime opportunity to become not only state-level but also global consultants. Additionally, the trained BDSPs will receive certificates and ongoing virtual training, empowering them to support small businesses and contribute to the economic growth of the state.
Facilitator Mr. Adegboyega Adebajo noted that the training emphasized analytical skills, business planning, operations, and human resource management, enabling participants to effectively address and solve problems faced by small businesses.
Participants Sahadatu Mua’zu, Mohammed Mohammed, and Yakubu Abdullahi praised the training for its interactive and educational nature. Mohammed highlighted the opportunity to gain valuable courses for free, while Abdullahi expressed a commitment to using the acquired skills to support small businesses within their communities.